With the Levi Lewis era in the rear view mirror for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns football program, the time has come to find a new starter to go under center. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux has a myriad of options to choose from, but who will separate themselves from the pack?
Chandler Fields, who took over the role of QB2 for this Louisiana squad last year, saw limited snaps due to Lewis’ durability. Starting over 30+ games in a row for the Cajuns, Lewis took this program to the next level and never looked back.
Fields now has the chance to compete for starting quarterback duties and be the next face of this program. A locker room favorite and player who knows how to put it all on the line and work, Fields’ demeanor on the gridiron will play a huge factor in winning over this roster.
“I just want to see my next quarterback compete,” Cajuns sophomore wide receiver Dontae Fleming said. “Don’t put your head down or get in your feelings. Just go in and make the next play. It’s really important that you have a quarterback that loves to compete.”
Other potential suitors range from Ben Woolridge, Zy McDonald and Lance LeGendre to battle it out during spring.
Woolridge, a Fresno State transfer, has really hit his stride during the offseason and put himself in position to surprise some Cajun fans. The redshirt junior has the ideal frame you want to see in your quarterback, sitting at 6-foot-3, 213-pounds. Keep an eye on the California native to make a splash in this battle.
McDonald, a redshirt freshman who has the dual-threat ability this offense may be looking to carry over from the Lewis era, can do it all. Stretching plays with his legs and providing explosive play after explosive play, McDonald’s athleticism could be his best friend throughout spring ball.
The real question mark here is LeGendre. The Maryland transfer and former four-star recruit out of New Orleans is the definition of a dual threat who can also sit in the pocket and make any throw you want. On scout team last season, LeGendre had the chance to dissect the playbook and get acclimated with the new system. With a full spring to showcase his talent to this new coaching staff, LeGendre could be a player who comes in here and puts himself in a great position to win over this team..
With the quarterback race being a major topic this spring, as it should be, this squad is ready to watch it unfold and lead this group to the Louisiana standard of football.
“I feel like we have a lot of quarterbacks that are ready to take on the competition,” Cajuns senior linebacker Kris Moncrief said. “They’re ready to fill those (Levi Lewis’) shoes in any type of moment. Honestly, all our quarterbacks are ready for a moment. That’s what I will say. Levi prepared every single one of those quarterbacks.”
For Desormeaux, who prepares to fill some shoes of his own after taking over after Billy Napier, he knows exactly what he’s looking for in his next quarterback. A legendary Louisiana quarterback himself back in the day, Desormeaux has the keen eye for this competition. “Your quarterback has to be just a leader above all else,” Desormeaux said. “To me, he’s got to be the hardest worker on the team. I tell them all the time that the quarterback position physically in practice is not very demanding, so you have to do all the little things right.”